[Page 4] The 240 Best Merit-Based Scholarships in October 2026

This scholarship aims to uplift young Black men as they pursue higher education and forge their path in STEM.

This scholarship honors the memory of Glenn Ehlers by supporting graduating high school seniors at Montgomery High School, Lake Creek High School, or Conroe High School in Texas as they prepare for college.

This scholarship aims to support high school seniors by helping them manage the significant expenses associated with higher education.

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of David Foster by supporting students who have been significantly impacted by a high school teacher.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Kris Lewis by ensuring that any student who is interested in pursuing higher education has the opportunity to do so.

The Elijah Espy Memorial Scholarship supports Georgia high school seniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher who plan to pursue trade school education.

By embracing diverse avenues for personal growth, anyone can conquer the challenges of life and attain the pinnacle of success.

This scholarship supports incoming college freshmen from Monroe County, Alabama who have lost a parent or guardian, honoring their memory as they pursue an undergraduate degree.

This scholarship aims to honor the 1979 graduating class of Aiken High School by supporting the next generation of Falcons as they pursue higher education in college or trade school.

This scholarship aims to support college-bound students as they prepare to complete their high school journeys.

This scholarship supports single parents of school-aged children who are undergraduate or graduate students with a 2.8 GPA or higher, helping them pursue their own degree while raising their kids.

This scholarship honors the memory of Michael James Mitrik by supporting Oklahoma high school seniors who play soccer and hold at least a 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Lane Nicholls Trueblood by uplifting students who are devoted both to their studies and to the needs of others.

The Jamie Anderson Scholarship aims to support and encourage young individuals who, like Jamie, have a desire to pursue a career in social work despite facing difficult circumstances.

This scholarship seeks to honor students whose determination, resilience, and dedication inspire others.

This scholarship will support college students looking to better the social-emotional wellbeing of gifted children.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory and incredible legacy of Kalia D. Davis by supporting students who share her work ethic, kindness, and drive.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Kenneth G. Tanner by making college more affordable and accessible so aspiring students can fulfill their dreams.

In memory of Evan James Vaillancourt, an Army Combat Medic, this scholarship supports high school seniors with a 3.5+ GPA pursuing a nursing degree who have community service or volunteering experience.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Glenda I. Tanner, who believed that everyone should have the chance to attend college.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Andrew Schultze by supporting students who share his passion for the HVAC trade.

This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current undergraduates from Memphis or Shelby County, TN who hold at least a 2.5 GPA and are pursuing an education-related major or career.

This scholarship aims to pay tribute to Mr. Jack D. McWilliams Sr. for his dedicated work and services in the church and the surrounding community in which he lived.

This scholarship supports North Carolina female high school juniors and seniors with a 3.5+ GPA and volunteer or non-profit experience who demonstrate perseverance and a passion for community involvement.

This merit-based scholarship supports high school students and current undergraduates (ages 13-20) with a 3.5+ GPA and volunteering experience who plan to pursue a four-year degree and have demonstrated significant social impact in their communities.

This scholarship honors Maureen C. Pace by supporting New York high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate nursing students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

The Williams Foundation supports low-income, BIPOC high school seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA who are forging their own paths as young trailblazers.

The Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship will be awarded to two deserving inner-city high school students to help pay for tuition and books.

This scholarship aims to support underserved students who are paving a new path in their families by pursuing a college education.

This scholarship honors Rob Snyder by supporting high school junior/senior golfers in Massachusetts, Georgia, or Florida with a 3.0+ GPA and demonstrated financial need who play on their school golf team and intend to compete collegiately.